5 Medical Tests you should not ignore

There are medical diagnostic tools that can identify potential health problems through simple tests. Medical tests help your doctor screen for or diagnose diseases to reduce the risk of complications or detect disorders that can be treated in time. Some of these tests are:

Through a quick and simple test, blood lipid levels such as cholesterol can be measured. Although cholesterol is very important for your body to function properly (production of cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D), people with high levels of this lipid in their blood are at greater risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol screening should start from the age of 20. The frequency of checkups depend on the risk factors identified during the medical consultation.

This lab test is used to check stool samples for hidden blood using a microscope and chemicals. A positive result may indicate colon cancer. There are also other reasons why the test may be positive: gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhoids, certain medications or certain foods. The general recommendation is to screen everyone over the age of 50. However, if the person has risk factors for colorectal cancer, checkups should begin at an earlier age. In some cases, additional tests such as sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may be needed.

A smear test can identify cellular changes suggestive of cervical cancer. This test should be done frequently, especially in sexually active women under 65 years of age. There is a complementary test that allows direct detection of the virus responsible for cellular changes that contribute to the development of this cancer: the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some women may need both tests, so any medical checkup should address this issue and resolve this concern. Another important aspect that should not be ignored in women is the early detection of breast cancer. Bearing in mind that every woman is different, general recommendation is to consult an expert about the risks, at least from the age of 40. In this way, it will be possible to have the best recommendations for each case and to know when, and how often, screening tests such as mammogram will be necessary.

Men should keep in mind that prostate examination is an aspect that should be addressed during their medical checkups since prostate cancer is one of the most common type of cancer in men. Timely treatment of prostate cancer significantly improves the prognosis of the disease. In most cases, prostate-specific antigen blood test is usually used, although in other cases a digital rectal examination will be necessary. During the consultation, the physician will be able to determine the most appropriate test for each case.

Glucose, the most abundant type of sugar, is the body's main source of energy. When the body is not able to use glucose efficiently, its blood level increases, promoting abnormal processes that, over time, stimulate the development of diabetes. Simple blood tests for glycemia and glycated hemoglobin can determine the presence of diabetes or prediabetes. Depending on risk factors such as overweight, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, screening for diabetes is recommended even in very young people.